"Paul's Letter to the Philippians - The Spirit of Jesus Christ"

Today our main focus will be on Paul’s expressions that are so full of meaning for us saints: “the bowels [or innermost feelings] of Jesus Christ”, Phil. 1:8, and “the supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ”, Phil. 1:19.  Paul is introducing by these words his main subject by these statements that have much to do with his ministry to the Philippians as their “example” to follow.  Perviously we considered in some depth the overall theme of the letter and saw that the word “mind” was absolutely central to the apostle’s teaching.  Ultimately the mind of Christ is set forth as our example in chapter 2.  Then, at the end, Paul’s own example and thinking are offered for our encouragement and blessing as we face the same trials Paul did although in often radically different ways.  This letter varies from praise to condemnation as Paul begins with thanksgiving and ends with the condemnation of false teachers.  But through it all, he conveys in so many powerful ways his heartfelt concern for these believers with the initial double underscore in chapter one with these highlighted words in verses 8 and 19.  Indeed, he writes, Christ’s own heart of love for all the saints has been shared with himself [and by implication, of course, with all of us] by his own spirit of life, now shed abroad in our hearts.  What an encouragement indeed!